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Little India is as colorful and interesting as you can imagine. It is the center of the Indian community in Singapore. From the people to the colors and smell, you can tell that it is their territory. Take their very efficient and easy to understand MRT and alight at Little India or Farrer Park. Walking won’t bore you at all due to the several interesting finds.

Kampong Glam is just as vivid as Little India. There are striking colors in every wall art or building. It is the home of Malay and Arab merchants.

FUN THINGS TO DO AT LITTLE INDIA AND KAMPONG GLAM:

A. SHOPPING! For thrifty shoppers like me, head on to Mustafa Centre. You can find perfume, food and toiletries sold at a really reasonable price. Yes this is the time to hoard. It is the best area to buy condiments and all sort of nuts. You may visit other malls like: The City Mall ( which is their first eco-mall and a family friendly place to eat), Sim Lim Square (gadget and electronics area) Tekka Center (largest wet market with hawker center) and Little India Arcade (if you love Indian souvenirs like elephants, scents, tapestries, dresses and colorful bangles then this must be your priority.)

As for me, I couldn’t go home without the personalized flip flops made by Mr. Fickle Shop. It cost me 157$ for 3 pairs and lots of hand-picked trinkets of my chosen design for my mother and younger sister. Yes it may have caused me compared to the popular Philippine slippers but these are must haves in a tropical country. Not to mention, they’re uniquely customized.

Can you blame me? These are lovely and comfy! Beside me is the owner of Fickle. Follow them on Instagram or visit them at Haji Lane.

B. PHOTO OPS! There are so many uniquely painted photo walls in Little India. Each section depicts the melting pot culture of Singapore, their lifestyle and impressive creativity. There are too many murals to mention but here are some of my favorite wall art.

C. FOODTRIP! Aside from the hawker centers left and right in Singapore, I suggest that you try out the gourmet restaurants in every street. In my opinion, hawkers in Chinatown, Singapore are the best. So for a change, why not try out the mutton and curry viands in Little India.

I had to go back the next day after passing by Haji Lane and took home one of these.

Mochila Bag: What makes it so special that I couldn’t sleep the moment I set eyes on it? These are 100% authentic handmade bags from Columbia. It takes special skills to crochet one bag for 14 to 21 days depending on the pattern of weave. The braided strap is also made by hand using an intricate technique. These Boho style bags were seen worn by Victoria’s secret models, Kardashians, Katy Perry and so on. Their drawstrings are sturdy and straps are way comfortable for beach trips and long travels. Can you guess which one I got? For 125$, it will definitely be used for a long time or handed down to my future daughter. haha 🙂

Kampong Glam

A glimpse of Little India and Kampong Glam shops

TIPS:

It would be best to look for an accommodation at Kampong Glam since it is strategically between Little India and Bugis. You will save effort and maximize time discovering secret eats and shops by foot or via MRT just a few stations away. I will show you another itinerary on the other side of Singapore for Clarke Quay, Chinatown and Sentosa on a related link. SINGAPORE: cool places to stay

Always bring tissue as they don’t serve it with meals. Since the weather is humid and you will be thirsty most of the time walking, I suggest you bring a tumbler or packed water for hydration. This will save you extra dollars better spent on precious finds!

Wear light and comfortable yet decent clothes. Avoid denim since you will be shopping all over the place. A handkerchief for wiping sweats or extra clothes to change are perfect ideas. Oh, and a backpack for all your hoards.

Avail of the 3-day-tourist pass. EZ link MRT pass is 30$ (Singapore dollars) inclusive of the 10$ deposit for the card. If you are planning to stay more than 3 days, you can reload at MRT stations for 20$. The 3-day-pass is unlimited so I assure you that if you are a walker like me, you will love Singapore. Otherwise, download the applications and use an SG bicycle. Everything in singapore is logical, efficient, neat and easy to understand. The color-schemed lines and exit points at MRT stations are tourist friendly. Download the railway system map.

5. Although it is an English speaking country and officers are everywhere to assist you, it is best to buy a sim card for wifi purposes. You can never go wrong with google and waze. Sim cards and activity tickets can be bought via Klook.

6. Bring your universal charger. If you don’t have one yet, now is the time to buy because it will be a good investment for international travels. You can find it at 7/11 outlets or online shops.

8. Pack light going to Singapore and head home with extra baggage. Don’t forget to look for the most affordable chocolate groceries at Mustafa Centre and Chinatown.

9. Book your accommodations at Traveloka and look for artsy backpacker’s inn with socials to meet new friends and discover more. On a related post, read the places I have stayed in.

10. Don’t forget your escalator etiquette. It is an unspoken rule to stand on the left and walk on the right side. Singaporeans are disciplined and fast walkers. Do not litter, chew gum or spit anywhere. Observe common rules. Know that there are cameras everywhere and police officers as well. No wonder I love this country and feel the safest!

A travel habitué who by God's favor and generous provision enjoys cultural food trips, art and contemporary structures. She loves to hike, island hop and stargaze while camping. At the same time, she productively manages her own business. Kiarra has been to the 72/81 provinces of The Philippines and at her own pace, travels the world. She loves to meet fellow travel enthusiasts as inspiration, share adventures with and take people to newer heights of learning.